Variation.

 

 

★★★

 

Elite ballerina Allie Rousseau is no stranger to pressure. With her mother’s eyes always watching, perfection was expected, no matter the cost. But when an injury jeopardizes all she’s sacrificed for, Allie returns to her summer home to heal and recover. But the memories she’s tried to forget to rush in and threaten to take her under. 

As a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hudson Ellis knows that hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. He’s always prided himself on being in the right place at the right time, especially when it came to Allie Rousseau…until the night he left for basic. After the biggest regret of his life, the secrets he keeps mean he can never be with the one woman he wants more than his next breath.
When Hudson’s niece shows up on Allie’s doorstep, desperate to find her birth mother, Allie finds herself in an unimaginable position. Allie and Hudson’s past and present might be endlessly complicated. The thread that tied them to each other all those years ago may have unraveled, but the truth could pull them back together or drive them apart forever. 

 

🌷

 
I've been a fan of Rebecca Yarros since reading Fourth Wing in 2023. This January, my book club read Variation. I enjoyed this book, but not in the way I expected. I still enjoyed reading it, and several sections grabbed my interest, particularly the second half of the book. The first couple of chapters were interesting, but then it grew dull, and I had trouble getting into the story. There were bits and pieces enough to keep me reading. I didn’t feel myself connecting to the characters as I usually do. It felt rushed. I initially didn't see the connection between Allie and Hudson, but as the book proceeded, I realized there was one, even though Allie appeared to be in denial for half of the novel. As I read the book, I hoped she would realize how much Hudson cares about her. 

I enjoyed that it had a ballet theme. I am not a dancer, but I enjoy reading books about any dance, particularly ballet. After reading Variation , I thought I had gained a better understanding of ballet. After her accident, I wondered if Allie would return or quit. I admired her dedication, although I believe she pushed herself too hard. That was one of the things that I loved about Hudson’s niece, Juniper, her determination to become a dancer, despite her mother’s wishes. I did feel like there was more than Caroline was telling everyone, in why she wouldn’t let Juniper take ballet lessons. I enjoyed how most of the characters' feelings were conveyed, particularly in the book's second half, and by that point, I couldn't put it down. 

I felt there was too much family drama, and at times, I couldn't keep up. I hoped Hudson and Allie would end up together rather than just having a fling. Aside from the author, the book's cover and title caught my interest; I couldn't help but be intrigued. Variation is a book worth checking out. This was the second romance book that I read by the author, but it wasn’t my favorite one of hers. However, I’m glad I got to read this book.